ER visits are always a hassle especially when they are unwanted. Taking preventive measures when elderly can help to avoid costly visits to the ER. In an emergency, getting the right care, and getting it fast, is the priority, but these trips come with a high price attached. These simple lifestyle changes are essential for putting yourself as a priority. Your health should be one the most important investments you ever make.
- “More Milk Please”: A diet filled with the proper daily dairy requirement ensures the proper amount of calcium, potassium, and protein. They lead to stronger bones and prevention of osteoporosis. Stronger bones will lead to less falling and fractures, one of the most common causes of an ER visit for the elderly population
- “Tick Tock Take Your Pill On the Dot”: Remember to take medication as prescribed and on time. A better a way to remember to take your medication is by setting an alarm and establishing it into your daily routine. Even missing a single day of medication can lead to your illness progressing and an ER visit in your future.
- “Wash away your trouble with some bubbles” : Washing your hands in general is a good habit to obtain, because it is a preventative measure against spreading illnesses. In the ER today, MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) is an upcoming threat spreading through hospitals leading to resistant staph infections.
- “A few sips a day can keep the doctor away”: Drinking enough water a day has several health benefits such as being preventative measure towards urinary tract infections (UTI), constipation, and regulating body temperature. UTIs can progress and become life-threatening diseases such as chronic kidney infections requiring hospitalization.
- “Have fun in the sun, but know when you are done”: Time in the sun is good for vitamin D absorption, but there are also some harmful effects to be aware of for your skin. Skin cancer is the very prevalent within the elderly population. Some ways to be cautious in the sun include: sunscreen, seeking shade between noon- 2pm, and wearing protective clothing.
- “Don’t Be late, save the date to vaccinate”: There are several vaccinations currently out on the market for the elderly population including the Shingles vaccination and the one against Pneumococcal disease. In addition to having the current vaccinations for your age range, make sure you keep up to date on general requirements such as the Tetanus vaccine.
- “Wash your vegetables to make them digestible” : When it comes to making a meal, washing both your hands and your produce are key to avoid GI/Abdomen related ER visits. All fruit and vegetables should be washed in order to help get rid of soil, micro-organisms, and human pathogens such as E. Coli, Listeria, and Salmonella.
- “ I would rather be safe than sorry”: When you first start feeling sick, give it a day to see if it goes away. If you do not start feeling better within 24-48 hours, your next step should be visiting a primary care physician to get back to one’s healthy self. Letting infections continue to build and grow can lead to serious diseases and conditions to form leading to not only an ER visit but possible surgery/ treatment plans.
- “Neck and Back, Here is what you lack”: Back and neck pain are among the leading causes for elderly visits to the ER. One way to reduce the chances of facing these types of pain and other spinal disorders is to follow a recommended exercise routine that is appropriate for your age and condition.
- Quit Smoking: It is a common fact that smoking is a bad habit. Smoking, whether young or old, can lead to health issues such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease as well as increase the risk of having a stroke. Strokes and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease account for two of the top ten causes for the elderly population visits the ER.
